
By Patrick Lujan
It’s a small MMA organization but it’s a championship belt, nevertheless.
Guam native Joe Gogo took a championship fight on two days notice and came out victorious, earning a second round submission to earn the International Thai Boxing Organization (ITBO) featherweight championship in Ensanada, Mexico at the San Nicholas Hotel and Casino.
“I was a replacement for one of my teammates that suffered an injury in camp,” the 25-year-old told GSPN. “They asked me Thursday evening right before I was gonna clock in at work. I woke up Friday morning and had to lose eight pounds before 12 pm for the weigh ins. Luckily the fight was already set for a catch weight of 140, so I didn’t have to go down to 135 lbs.”

Two Jofis: Baby Joe Taimanglo was ringside for his cousin’s championship bout in Mexico. (courtesy photo)
Fighting in Mexico wasn’t any different for Gogo, who is used to being the underdog “simply because nobody knows me.”
“The fight went well. I could tell I was the superior striker from the get-go as I landed leg kicks and kicks to his head. Eventually he took me down and went for submissions, I defended them and got back to my feet then took him down ending the first round with ground and pound.
“Second round came, I landed a few combinations and right as he ducked his head to avoid them I through a heavy knee that opened his face up. I was going for the knockout but he did a good job at wrestling so I was able to land more shots. Eventually I took him down and landed some elbows, he turned away from them and that’s when I took his back and choked him.”
In his corner was none other than first cousin Baby Joe Taimanglo, who crossed the border from his training grounds of San Diego to support his primo.
“Having Baby Joe is very important because we grew up together and we train everyday together,” Gogo added. “He knows me. I had a lot of confidence going in there because I go to war with my cousin regularly and he’s one of the best. Plus, I train at Alliance MMA with Dominick Cruz and other UFC vets.”
Gogo is still new in the MMA game, improving to 2-0, and says smaller shows like this is a stepping stone to get into the UFC.
The last time Gogo was on Guam was last November for a family funeral.


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GPS Sports Calendar
June 2022
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for May
31st
Events for June
2nd
Events for June
4th
35th Most Beautiful Run 5-Miler
Youth Football League
Events for June
5th
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
5th
Events for June
9th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
10th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GLORIFIED SPARRING 9
Events for June
11th
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS LEAGUE: Round 1
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022 FINALS
Events for June
12th
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
GSPN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR GAME
Events for June
14th
Events for June
17th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
18th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
Events for June
19th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
20th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
21st
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
23rd
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
24th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
25th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM NINJA COMPETITION
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
26th
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
27th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
28th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
30th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE

Bowling
JUNE KING & PRINCE OF THE LANES

Basketball
FD ALMUNI HOOPS TOURNEY IN FULL SWING

Football
ANGELS LAY CLAIM AS BEST IN MATUA

Baseball
CNMI WINS ANOTHER BASEBALL CLASSIC

Football
ANGELS LAY CLAIM AS BEST IN MATUA

Baseball
BASEBALL: GUAM TAKES DOWN PALAU
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Makayla Atoigue
ND Royals Rugby Player Makayla Atoigue lays down her Foody’s Fun Facts and shares her dream vacation spot
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Makayla Atoigue
ND Royals Rugby Player Makayla Atoigue lays down her Foody’s Fun Facts and shares her dream vacation spot
COMING SOON …
- Asia Pacific Little League
- National Triathlon Championships
- GML Makeup Games
- FD Alumni Basketball Tournament (ongoing)